What are complications of bladder urine retention?

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Some complications of urinary retention are urinary tract infections and either kidney or bladder problems. These complications can occur when urinary retention is left untreated, states eMedicineHealth. This medical condition can be either acute or chronic in some patients.

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Urinary retention is a condition that occurs when the bladder cannot void urine completely. A complication, such as a urinary tract infection, can develop because urine cannot flow freely from the urethra and bacteria can form at this site of the urinary tract. Similarly, bladder damage can occur if urinary retention causes the bladder to expand, which can lead to bladder muscles that may not contract properly. The complication of kidney scarring or damage happens because this condition can cause urine to flow back into the kidneys, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestion and Kidney Diseases.

Acute urinary retention is a short-term condition that can cause the bladder to be full and also causes pain. Chronic urinary retention can last a long time and may lead to the complications of urinary tract infections or urinary incontinence, as noted by eMedicineHealth. Some symptoms of a urinary tract infection are a fever and pain while urinating.

Some causes of urinary retention include a blocked urethra, certain medications, weak bladder muscles and nerve issues that can occur as the result of another medical condition, such as a stroke or a spinal cord problem. In many cases, urinary retention caused by a urethra blockages can develop in patients with other underlying conditions, such as an enlarged prostate and tumors.